Originally posted by no1marauder
Probably. Virtually every President they've had in the last 40 years has at one time or other been granted powers under an Enabling Act; Carlos Andres Perez issued approximately 3000 decrees under Enabling Acts (Chavez has issued about a 100 under the previous ones he was granted).

Indeed, Venezuela's political situation is chaotic and it has always been.

Chavez is simply exploiting the flawed constitutional framework and reprehensible political culture of his country, but this does not give justification for his actions.

Originally posted by IshDaGegg
Surely opposing inequality of wealth is ample justification for fostering inequality of political power?

Chavez is no true social democrat, he is a typical caudillo disguising his authoritarian aspirations under the cloak of concern for the poor and the downtrodden. There are many economically wise and politically legitimate ways to address inequality of wealth, and if Chavez was truly interested in addressing these problems he would choose to conduct his business differently.

One cannot create a prosperous and more equal society by sabotaging the political process and placing ideology and personal priorities above everything else.

Originally posted by generalissimo
Chavez is no true social democrat, he is a typical caudillo disguising his authoritarian aspirations under the cloak of concern for the poor and the downtrodden. There are many economically wise and politically legitimate ways to address inequality of wealth, and if Chavez was truly interested in addressing these problems he would choose to conduct his ...[text shortened]... taging the political process and placing ideology and personal priorities above everything else.

And just how would you recommend he address inequality of wealth in a more "economically wise" and "politically legitimate" way?

Originally posted by rwingett
And just how would you recommend he address inequality of wealth in a more "economically wise" and "politically legitimate" way?

How about a Stimulus package or extending unemployment benefits? 😵

Originally posted by generalissimo
Chavez is no true social democrat, he is a typical caudillo disguising his authoritarian aspirations under the cloak of concern for the poor and the downtrodden. There are many economically wise and politically legitimate ways to address inequality of wealth, and if Chavez was truly interested in addressing these problems he would choose to conduct his ...[text shortened]... taging the political process and placing ideology and personal priorities above everything else.

Chavez like most politicians likes power. However, that he has followed policies by and large meant to help Venezuela's poor is really undeniable.

Originally posted by rwingett
And just how would you recommend he address inequality of wealth in a more "economically wise" and "politically legitimate" way?

He could follow the examples set by western democracies, or even neighboring countries such as Brazil. This really isn't a hard question, most countries are perfectly capable of implementing welfare programs and economic policies devised to address poverty without becoming virtual dictatorships.

Originally posted by generalissimo
He could follow the examples set by western democracies, or even neighboring countries such as Brazil. This really isn't a hard question, most countries are perfectly capable of implementing welfare programs and economic policies devised to address poverty without becoming virtual dictatorships.

Saying over and over and over again that Chavez is a "dictator" doesn't make him one.

The legislature, following the Constitution, gave him law making powers in certain areas for a specific, limited period of time. Though I don't like the concept of Enabling Acts, that doesn't make him a dictator; he'll stand election in 2012.

Originally posted by no1marauder
Saying over and over and over again that Chavez is a "dictator" doesn't make him one.

The legislature, following the Constitution, gave him law making powers in certain areas for a specific, limited period of time. Though I don't like the concept of Enabling Acts, that doesn't make him a dictator; he'll stand election in 2012.

Saying the opposite ad nauseum doesn't make him any less of a dictator either.
By your logic we could say Peron or Hitler were also not dictators given they had voters on their side.

Im well-aware of how Chavez has exploited the current constitutional framework of Venezuela, but don't be disingenous to the point of completely ignoring how he has been subverting the political process ever since he took power. Every year he finds a way to accumulate more power, and it doesn't seem like he is stopping any time soon. In addition to the well-known emasculation of the private sector HRW has some very colorful reviews of the situation in Venezuela regarding political freedom and human rights, these cannot be ignored.